4 Photo Gifts to Make/Buy for the Holidays

A thoughtful gift means so much more than another fuzzy sweater or flannel pajamas, doesn't it? As a life long lover of photo books and albums, here are my favorite ways to easily turn images into an object you and your loved ones will cherish year after year. Get these done soon or a little late and share for New Years!

1) Blurb Books. Blurb is a photo book building site with easy to use templates for a simple, pretty photo book. I've been using this site for about 6 years now and each year, they introduce a new paper or style that keeps me coming back and making photo books. Their print color isn't perfect, so this isn't for the color crazed (it's a smidge dark in my opinion), but overall, a great tool. Their price point is very reasonable and your family members can purchase extra copies of whatever project you dream up.

2) Oh Joy's Instagram Cube. Joy Cho of the celebrated design/lifestyle blog, Oh Joy, just showcased a beautiful gift for her friends. She's made a photo cube from instagram photos and presented in in a small glass bell jar. This is such a thoughtful idea that could be whipped up with a home printer and a pair of scissors, and who doesn't love a handmade dose of adorable? Read the post for a link to Joy's downloadable template.3) Artifact Uprising. This small company makes stunning photo gifts with almost all recycled papers and materials. Their sexy designs take the hard work out of creating a memorable calendar, wooden photo box, instagram book or luscious hard bound photo book. Order by Dec. 9 to get your gift under the Christmas tree by December 25. I'm trying this environmentally friendly option this year.

4) Pinhole Press. Each Fall, Joanna Goddard of the fabulous blog Cup of Jo, sings praises of Pinhole press. She's made a book for her baby of names and faces, wine bottle labels with family photos, elegant calendars and all sorts of other products using Pinhole. This company really takes the cake for inventive places to put all those gorgeous photos you have lingering on your phone and hard drives. You can create a puzzle (so cool!), journals, note pads, framed prints, memory games and photo decals. There's a lot of potential here and still enough time to order/receive before Christmas.